politics
Bulgaria to Veto EU Sanctions Package Against Russia for the First Time Over Lukoil and Putin's Confessor Tikhon Shevkunov
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated on Thursday that the country will block a new EU sanctions package against Russia, as it threatens the Bulgarian economy and includes restrictions against the hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Tikhon Shevkunov, Reuters reports.
TL;DR
- Bulgaria plans to block a new EU sanctions package against Russia.
- Prime Minister Radev cited economic risks, including the impact on Lukoil's refinery, Sofia's metro, and fertilizer supply.
- The inclusion of Russian Orthodox Church hierarch Tikhon Shevkunov in the sanctions list is also a point of contention.
- Radev questioned the effectiveness of existing sanctions and expressed concern about them extending into religious matters.
- Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine's EU accession talks and general decisions concerning Ukraine.
- The EU expanded its sanctions list on June 15 to include individuals and entities linked to Russia's military-industrial complex, a "shadow fleet," and foreign political interference.